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Meredith Lodging

California, Washington, Central Oregon, and Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals

todd lake

Lakes Near Bend, Oregon

Top Alpine Lakes Near Bend

Top Swimming Lakes Near Bend

Where You Can Live That Lake Life

Bend is home to numerous stunning lakes, perfect for hiking, taking a dip on warmer days (or braving a dip on colder days, too!), and capturing that perfect family photo, or selfie. If you’re looking for things to do in Bend, visiting the many alpine lakes in the summer should probably go toward the top of your itinerary!

A stay in one of our beautiful Bend or Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rentals will provide the perfect home base for exploring Central Oregon’s nature in all of its splendor. Here are some of our favorite alpine lakes for exploring:

Todd Lake

This pristine lake is nestled at the base of Broken Top, providing visitors with stunning views of wide-open meadows, mountains, and summer wildflowers. A 1.5-mile trail, suitable for all ages, will guide you around the lake. Keep your eyes open for hundreds of baby frogs that hatch here early summer. Note: the trail is only open during the summer months. 

Paulina Lake

Situated at the basin of the Newberry Volcano caldera, Paulina Lake boasts breathtaking views reflecting thousands of years of volcanic activity. The day use area offers picnic areas and swimming beaches. The water comes mostly from snowmelt, so it can be chilly for swimming in the early season. Luckily, the Paulina Lake Loop Trail leads you to some geothermal hot springs on the north shore.  

Moraine Lake

This high mountain lake is easy to access and is not too far from Bend, making it the ideal family outing. The lake is not very deep, so late August/early September, the water is warmer – perfect for taking a dip as you soak up the views! 

Twin Lakes

The 3-mile hike into Twin Lakes will take your breath away with meadows of wildflowers, miles of old growth Douglas Firs, and views of turquoise water. Please note: This trail is currently closed. Please check this link for current updates.  

Sparks Lake

Just off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sparks Lake boasts stunning views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Bachelor Butte, a perfect backdrop for your family photo.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake, with the Three Sisters towering over the north end of the lake and Mt. Bachelor dominating the eastern horizon, has a beautiful backdrop. It is not a high-traffic fishing destination, but it is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom from any area on the surface. Instead, it offers sandy beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of trails to hike and bike. Going to Elk Lake is a full-day trip.

Ready to take the plunge? You can view our amazing selection of Bend vacation rentals online, or contact our friendly Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on social media and post those vacay pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.

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Kayaking in Oregon | River Adventures near Bend

Child and father with kayak in Central Oregon With its tumbling foothills, tranquil wilderness, and abundance of sunshine, it’s no surprise that Central Oregon is considered an elite outdoor recreational area. From fishing to rock climbing, there’s very little you can’t do to stay busy outside. One of the region’s most prominent communities, Bend, Oregon, serves as the ultimate destination for those who desire easy access to a city’s amenities while being able to escape to wide, open spaces at a moment’s notice. Nestled along the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains, amid the Deschutes River and a bevy of sparkling lakes, Bend offers some of the best kayaking in Oregon. And Meredith Lodging has the perfect basecamp for all your river adventures. To help acclimate you to the local kayaking scene, we’ll provide you with some insight regarding who to rent from and where to go.

Bend Oregon Kayak Rentals

Kayaking in Oregon is something every avid outdoor enthusiast should experience in their lifetime. The nice thing about hitting the water in Bend is that you won’t feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere while still immersing yourself in the scenic beauty around you. If you have a kayak, great, you’re already halfway to enjoying one of the most popular things to do in Bend! However, if you’re new to the sport or decided not to transport your kayak, you’ll need to acquire one. Below, we’ll two of our top picks for places to rent kayaks in Bend.

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe

With the largest selection of kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, in Central Oregon, Tumalo Creek is one of the region’s premier outfitters. In addition to rentals, they also offer beginner and intermediate classes, tours, trips, and children’s programs. What’s more, they also have a well-equipped watersports store to buy any additional gear. Tumalo Creek is conveniently located on the Deschutes River, only a few blocks from downtown Bend.

Bend Kayak School and Rentals

Another reputable go-to option for kayaking in Oregon is Bend Kayak School and Rentals. Bend Kayak School offers two-hour rentals for kayaks and paddleboards, but what really sets them apart from other outfitters is their free delivery service. Prices start at $45 per day for kayaks, and they will give discounts for multiple days. Furthermore, rental packages come with vests, straps, and paddles.

Where to Go Kayaking near Bend, Oregon

Now that you know of at least two excellent sources for all your paddling needs, it’s time to hit the water! Anyone who has had the chance to paddle on the Deschutes River will tell you to add it to your bucket list if you’re an avid kayaker or canoer. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the meandering Deschutes graciously lends itself to an unforgettable tour through Bend. Adding to the excitement, the Bend White Water Park, built into the Deschutes, provides various white water recreation for tubing, surfing, and kayaking. If you have a penchant for a calm, flatwater float and paddle, then head southeast on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway for a picturesque drive featuring volcanic geology and immaculate woodlands on your way to Todd Lake. Todd Lake is also an excellent option for anyone staying in Sunriver.

Central Oregon Vacation Rentals in Bend and Sunriver

Central Oregon riverIf you’re looking for some of the best kayaking in Oregon, then you’re in the right place. One of the best benefits of staying with Meredith Lodging is our locally-based, friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are happy to provide a wealth of ideas for spending your time in Bend or Sunriver. As with any outdoor adventure, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to rest and recharge for the next outing, so having a place that feels like home will go a long way. Whether you’re a solo traveler in need of a cozy cabin or a large family looking for a luxurious lodge, we’re here to help. For more information on how we can accommodate, please visit us online or call 877-778-9055.

Top Five Mountain Biking Trails in Central Oregon near Bend, Oregon

Mountain Biking in Central Oregon

Central Oregon is a haven for cyclists of all types and has an extra-special place in the hearts of those who love to hit Mountain Bike Trails. Meredith Lodging Central Oregon vacation rentals in Bend, Sunriver and at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort make for a perfect home base for riders looking to explore all that the local trails have to offer – with many of our homes having trails right outside your front door! We have put together a shortlist of our favorite locations for you to consider the next time you #staywithmeredith.

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Top Family-Friendly Central Oregon Hikes

Hiking in Oregon is both a statewide treasure and pastime. Few places in the world offer such a concentration of beautiful views, historic and scenic sites, and a variety of levels of difficulty so diverse everyone can find a way to get outside and have fun. Family hikes are a wonderful way to make the most of your time spent with Meredith Lodging in one of our Central Oregon vacation rentals. We have put together a list of our favorite kid-friendly hikes for you and your family to enjoy the next time you #staywithmeredith.

Todd Lake

Looking for a perfect place to picnic with the family with stunning views of Mt. Bachelor – look no further than a hike to Todd Lake! This relaxed 1.6-mile loop is fun for the whole family and you will all be rewarded with beautiful mountain and meadow views. This outing is popular, but the meadow offers plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the extra-special destination, tucked in at the base of Broken Top and next to the Three Sisters Wilderness area.

Sparks Lake

The Sparks Lake trail is a pretty, scenic, out, and back trail of 20 miles. This trail offers plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty. Plenty of beautiful Lake views and your pups are welcome to join you if they are kept on a leash. A 2.5-mile loop section of trail called the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is a local favorite.

Pilot Butte

This popular and kid-friendly out and back offers scenic views of the Oregon Cascades and vast stretches of the High Desert. It is a mile each way from the base to the summit and back and has a mild elevation gain if 452 feet. This trail is accessible year-round and dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. If you are looking to avoid crowds, consider hitting this trail early in the day or on a weekday.

Steelhead Falls

This pretty and short trail (.5 miles) is big on scenery, surrounded by cliffs showing off millions of years of erosion in their many layers, while eagles often fly overhead and wildflowers paint the landscape. Many families hike down the hill for a picnic or afternoon of fishing in the Deschutes River. Let the sound of the falls take your worries away, but watch out for rattlesnakes, who are known to hide in the rocks and brush on this trail. This trail is opened year-round and dogs are allowed on leash.

Benham Falls

This trailhead is one of the most popular outings for families staying in Sunriver, and with good reason. The trail is readily accessible and wide and well-groomed for hikers of all levels and considered easy in terms of difficulty. The trail winds along the Deschutes River until it reaches the Falls viewpoint, where you and your family will be rewarded with beautiful views, a great photo-op, and the calming sounds of the rush of the river.

Fall River Falls

This 5.9-mile trail is a moderately trafficked out and back near Bend is a wonderful experience for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed on this trail, which is best used from April to November. All visitors will be rewarded with beautiful views of the falls and lots of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Shevlin Park

This trail runs along Tumalo creek and connects to other trail paths both above and below the park (such as the Tumalo Creek Canyon Loop Hike). This family friendly hike will take your through ponderosa pine landscapes where you will see manzanita, rabbit brush and sagebrush shrubs. Kids will love the view of the Hixon Bridge which they may recognize as a prop from the movie Homeward Bound. Parents will love that this trail is easily accessible in Bend and offers full facilities.

Metolius Fish Hatchery

‘Family-friendly, beautiful views and an easy trail that everyone will love…that is what you will find when you and your family hike the Metolius Fish Hatchery Trail, in the camp Sherman area, just a short, pretty drive from Bend and Sunriver. Considered a gem of Central Oregon, this 7.3 mile out and back is good for all skill levels and dogs are allowed on the trail, too.

After a day of making memories hiking in beautiful Central Oregon, you and your family will be eager to rest your legs and return to your beautiful, private Meredith Lodging Bend or Sunriver vacation rental. Many homes offer hot tubs – a proven way to get the kiddos relaxed before a good night’s sleep and another full day of adventure. View Meredith Lodging’s Central Oregon vacation homes at MeredithLodging.com.

Best Day Trips and Adventures from Bend and Sunriver

Summer vacations spent in Bend or Sunriver are a much-loved tradition for Oregon families. Long, sunny days spent swimming, hiking, and exploring the many lakes, parks and natural attractions that dot the landscape across Central and Southern Oregon. Crisp nights spent re-capping all the fun gathered in camp chairs under the stars or soaking your well-hiked legs in the hot tub before tucking in to your comfortable bed in your private Meredith Lodging home.

Our Bend vacation rentals and Sunriver vacation rentals make for a perfect home base for these day-trip adventures, that might otherwise just be too far away from home. We have assembled a shortlist of fan-favorite days trips from Central Oregon. Summer is a great time for road trips, and we highly recommend you consider these out and back outings on your next #staywithmeredith in Central Oregon. Discover something new about Oregon this Summer!

Recommended Oregon Destination for Your Summer Road Trip

The Painted Hills

One look at this breathtaking landscape and you will understand why it draws photographers from all over the world for the study it provides on light and nature, and its striking landscape. The Painted Hills (aka layers of mountains and earth representing millions of years of history) in sunset colors rise against a bright blue sky. The Painted Hills are one of three units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Distance from Bend: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway

This beautiful, 66-mile stretch of scenic highway that runs through Deschutes and Klamath Counties is a wonderful day trip from Bend and Sunriver and includes many opportunities to stop and see the sites along the way. Favorite stops include Benham Falls, Dillon Falls and Lava Island Falls (along the Deschutes River Trail), Mt. Bachelor and Dutchman Flats Sno Park (open year round); Sparks Lake, Todd Lake and Devil’s Lake; Elk Lake Resort (where it’s easy to rent boats, kayaks, canoes and more to enjoy the lake); and Crane Prairie, famous for its large “Crainbow” trout and abundant surrounding natural wildlife including osprey, bald eagles, egrets, cormorants and owls. The drive from Bend to Crain Prairie Reservoir takes 50 minutes.

McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

McKenzie Pass and Santiam pass joins together to make one of the most picturesque drives in the State of Oregon. Beginning just northwest of Bend our first stop on the loop is always Sisters, with its stunning mountain views, charming storefronts, and vibrant arts community. The Santiam Bypass winds its way its way through beautiful mountain terrain and offers many sites to see, including Black Butte, Camp Sherman on the Metolius River, parts of Suttle Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail as well as Lost Lake, which fills every Spring only to be gone by Fall.

Continuing the loop on to the McKenzie Highway Scenic Bypass (a favorite cycling destination), you can find your way to local-favorite Proxy Falls. These two-part falls tumble over forest and fauna makes for a refreshing stop before you get back on the road to continue exploring. As you head back toward sisters amidst stunning views and the North Sister and Middle Sister, we suggest a stop at the Dee Wright Observatory. From this location you can see many of the Cascade Peaks and a particularly close-up and powerful view of Mt. Washington. As you head back down the road into Sisters, keep an eye out for Windy Point for one more breathtaking view. Driving the entire loop from bend and making stops along the way is an easy ½ day trip of 4-5 hours.

Crater Lake National Park

Well Known for its bright blue hue and picturesque Lodge, Crater Lake National Park is also within easy striking distance when you stay with Meredith Lodging in Bend or Sunriver. It is a bit of a longer trip, making it a full day’s outing, but our guests all say it is worth the extra time. Arriving at Crater Lake in the Summer months and you will find hiking trails along the shoreline, abundant natural beauty and many scenic views of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, formed more than 7700 years ago when a violent volcanic eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, creating Crater Lake. It is always fun to tick a National Park off your list, and we suggest a stop at Crater Lake Lodge dining room, Annie Creek Restaurant, or the Rim Village Cafe before you head for home to Bend or Sunriver. From Bend to Crater Lake is a scenic 2-hour drive.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument / Newberry Caldera

A lot closer to your Meredith Lodging Bend or Sunriver vacation rental is a day trip to Newberry Caldera. This national monument was created in 1990 and included more than 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and stunning geologic sites. Paulina Peak is the highest point within the monument at (7,985 ft, and a steep/fast vertical climb if you are hiking), and offers beautiful vistas of the Cascades, the High Desert and Newberry Caldera. The Newberry Caldera stretches more than 17 miles across the 1200 square mile volcano that is still both seismically and geothermically active today, offering visitors memorable views of cinder cones and vents (more than 400), rhyolite flows of obsidian and basalt flows. Our favorite activities include the hike from the edge of Paulina Lake to the rustic Paulina Springs hot springs and a stop at The Big Obsidian Flow, featuring more than 170 million cubic yards of rugged pumice and glass-like obsidian. The Newberry Caldera is a quick 18-minute drive from Bend and only 12 minutes from Sunriver.

The opportunities for adventure are endless when you stay with Meredith Lodging in Central Oregon. Make memories with your loved ones this Summer that will last a lifetime. View our entire Bend and Sunriver vacation rental collection at MeredithLodging.com.